Calls and cries for justice…
The ongoing protests in Edo and Rivers State have brought attention to the growing discontent among citizens in these States. The protests, led by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are a response to the perceived injustices and irregularities in the State and Local Government elections held on September 21 and October 5, 2024, in Edo and Rivers State, respectively.
While in the case of Edo State, the INEC has been alleged to have written results to declare a wrongful winner, in Rivers State, the FCT Minister and former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyeson Wike is said to have unnecessarily created interference in Rivers State. With the situations in both States, it is assumed that Mr. President Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved of the injustices going on therein considering his attitude and body language toward the rising crises in both States.
In Edo State, protests have been ongoing, with citizens expressing dissatisfaction with the irregularities in the conduct of State elections. The protesters are demanding greater transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process.
Similarly, in Rivers State, the PDP members marched to the office of the Department of State Security Service and the headquarters of the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt, defying the rain. Their primary grievances include allegations of electoral malpractices, manipulation of election results, and the exclusion of their candidates from the electoral process. However, an unconfirmed report says the unnecessary interference by the FCT Minister without Mr. President cautioning his Minister is causing a serious crisis in Rivers State wherein the Rivers people have vowed to resist Mr. Nyeson Wike’s excesses.
The unending protests have significant implications for the political landscape of both states. The protesters highlight the need for electoral reform and the strengthening of democratic institutions. They have emphasized the importance of citizen participation and engagement in the democratic process and the need why their votes must count. They have also underscored the growing distrust between political parties and the electorate as well as the election umpires and the Nigerian Police that have turned itself into a branch of the All Progressive Congress ruling party in Nigeria.
To address the concerns of the protesters and restore confidence in the electoral process, the following steps are necessary:
Implement reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in elections.
Conduct independent investigations into allegations of electoral malpractices.
Foster inclusive governance that represents the interests of all citizens.
The unending protests in Edo and Rivers State serve as a reminder of the importance of democratic accountability and the need for citizens to demand change. By understanding the causes, impact, and potential solutions to these protests, we can work towards a more just and equitable society for all. However, analysts are saying if the situations in both Edo and Rivers State are not handled genuinely, it is likely to attract Military intervention. And the intervention is likely to truncate the ongoing Fourth Republic. Treasonable comment or not, I don’t care anymore. If anything should happen to this fourth Republic, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be held responsible.